Social lites: Water Oak Focus

By Toni Hengesteg, Water Oak Focus

Published
5:26 pm CDT, Saturday, July 22, 2017

The dog days of mid to late summer are upon Texans with characteristically high humidity and temperatures in the uncomfortable 90's. Recently I discovered how the phrase dog days arose. I had always thought it related to canine inactivity during the heat and how they panted lying in the shade. The phrase entered our language from astrologers noting that the constellation of Canis Major which includes the brightest star in the night sky Sirius had become visible. Canis is the Latin for dog as most of us would presume. Further, I always had viewed Sirius as a digital music streaming service and not as a star. As such another piece of origin and history puzzle was set in place. Staying in the shade only partially minimizes discomfort, while lingering in the swimming pool is much more an effective contemporary strategy. How the early Texans survived this heat without the luxury of air conditioning is a testament to their fortitude and endurance.

Several Water Oakers enjoyed the closest nearby and exceptionally delicious restaurant-Ocean Boulevard. On Friday Becky Freeman organized the neighborly outing which included her spouse, Gaylon and neighbors LaJuv and VJ Patel, Jim and Sandy Winn plus Mark and Toni Hengesteg. Part-time April Sound residents Pete and Joan Smullen also joined in. Sandy Winn commented on her delicious Ahi-Ahi entrée on Facebook site for Ocean Boulevard and was the lucky recipient of the restaurant's drawing contest for a free entrée. A future outing for Water Oak North Side is then pending. Jeff and Denise Lochore attended the Astro's game to cheer on our winning team.